Accident Proof your Egg Decorating
5 March 07 by AussieCrafts
For kids, dunking plain white eggs into a bowl and watching them change colour is almost magical. However it can get very messy! Here are a few ideas to help you minimise the mess this year.
1. Try stickers. If you are not attached to the traditional ways of egg decorating, this is a way to minimise the muss and fuss during Easter. Stickers make easy decorations and what kids do not like stickers? They leave nothing, but some paper scraps, to clean up afterwards. And, there is nothing tricky about it. Just buy ordinary Easter stickers (or other appropriate designs) and stick them onto the eggs. Too easy!
2. Dye eggs at the stove. Avoid the mess that comes with sitting your children at the table with their own dipping cups. Mix the dye ingredients in a large (at least 2-3 litre) saucepan. Let it cool enough to be safe. Wrap an apron around the child. Let the kids take the dried boiled eggs and place them in the dye solution. When the eggs are ready, use a slotted spoon to lift the dyed eggs out of the pan. The slots leave less liquid on the spoon which means less liquid on the stove, the floor, you, and the kids. Spoon the eggs back into the egg carton. Place the cartons in the fridge until time to use them.
3. Work on the kitchen floor. The lower you are to the ground, the shorter the distance a boiled egg has to fall. Spread an old vinyl tablecloth on the floor. Give each child an apron and a pair of rubber or latex gloves. The gloves can be purchased from any supermarket or medical supply store. Gloves allow the children to dip the eggs with their hands instead of a spoon. When they have finished, have them take their gloves off and throw them away.
4. Purchase a ready to use Easter egg kit. Have a look at craft stores or toy stores and you may find a kit for decorating eggs at easter. (I have seen them on Ebay®) Kits will often have something that will make the egg decorating process easier and faster. They can feature egg wrapping kits, or pre-formed patterns ready for the decorator to transfer to the dried eggs.
Egg decorating is great for everyone, but no one likes to clean up at the end. Make it easier on yourself this year, Mum and Dad. Try these tips for some good clean fun.
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